Let's start from the beginning. Well, not the very
beginning! I am sure you all know how that happened.
My senior year of high school, my father received orders for
an amazing opportunity here in Virginia. Of course, he could not pass it. Being
pregnant and 17, I refused to be "The New Pregnant Girl". As
incredibly smart as I am, I was able to receive all my credits early allowing
me to move with no fears of attending a brand new school. Moving thousands of
miles away, having a six hour difference, wearing flip flops in the snow and
only about three months pregnant; my only fear at that time was, "How am I
going to come up with the money to fly back home for prom, graduation and bring
my fiancé home with me on time for our daughters arrival?" I do not know
how I did it but, I did. I had some money in savings, any little bit of money I
was given, I saved. Even the random small change my dad would give me for my
pregnancy cravings, I SAVED! Nothing was going to stop me from attending my
prom and graduation.
May finally came; I thankfully saved enough money and flew
to Hawai'i alone six months pregnant on an eleven hour flight. Every chance I
got, I was wobbling myself down the flights isles. My feet were extremely
swollen and my back was killing me! I was ready to get home in my fiancé’s
arms! Being six months a part, was not easy.
Arriving, I could not be any more excited. I grabbed my
carry on rushed to the baggage claim excited to see Elway! Once I saw his face,
all I could do was jump right into his arms. At least, I tried. My belly was
too big!
Graduation quickly came; I felt many emotions along with my
daughter twisting and turning with in me. I knew she felt it too; excitement,
fear, pain and sorrow! My parents were unable to attend my graduation. They did
not want to attend nor, did I receive a phone call. Until this day, it still
hurts me! Yes, I was a pregnant teen. Sometimes, I wonder if they were embarrassed.
If they could or even wanted too, would they have attended? I am truly grateful
for my in Laws, family and friends who came to support me. I guess, it was only
a high school graduation but, it still meant so much for them to be there. Or,
at least a phone call! I felt so alone, so unwanted and so scared!
The moment my name was called, I put a big smile upon my
face and told myself everything is going to be fine. I graduated, I know I am
going to be the best mother I can be to my children and I am going to succeed
for my daughter! With my diploma in my hand, the smile still remaining upon my
face, I look up and see Elway with the biggest smile upon his face walking
towards me. That moment, everything was perfect. He gave me the biggest hug,
kiss and looked me in the eyes and said "I love you" as he escorted
me back to my seat. He was all I needed, my fear, pain and sorrow simply disappeared.
As our graduation song played (R. Kelly, "The World's Greatest"), ending our ceremony we
proudly moved our tassels to the left and through our caps into the air! I
remember looking up into the sky as our caps still remained in the adrift, and
thinking how beautiful, how grateful and how perfect life is and will be!
Aloha Stadium | Graduation Ceremony
My wonderful Mother in Law | Grateful for their support and presence
Elway | Me | Good Friend, Genesis
Beautiful Sister in Laws, Fono and Gene | Nephew, Vincent
My pain, happiness and future husband, Elway
My Best Friend, Justine
as i scroll down the Lai's are getting bigger and stacked higher and higher hahahaha. Congrats, and i'm sorry your parents couldn't be there, you are a wonderful person, and dedicated to your babies, and i really admire that about you. they had so much to be thankful for at least having a daughter that was content on graduating and making something our of life. It could have been much worst.
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